West Ham to rival Everton for Lamine Kone

West Ham United are prepared to fight it out with Everton for the services of Sunderland defender Lamine Kone. The Ivorian footballer was expecting to join the Toffees in the summer before the Black Cats turned down his request.

According to The Mirror, the Hammers are eyeing an offer of their own for Kone with the backline needing some strengthening.

The 27-year-old was the standout performer for the Black Cats last season as they beat the Premier League drop. But, his showing this term has been far from impressive, and this has led to suggestions he could be weighing up options for the New Year.

The centre-half inked a fresh five-year deal earlier in September, and the Black Cats are likely to demand fees in excess of &pound30m for his sale.